Injunction remains against 22 riggers

The injunction, which was granted on March 31, saw the 22 workers being removed by armed police and a court official from the offshore platform owned by bpTT.

The injunction was sought by Rowan Drilling Trinidad after workers allegedly stopped work and staged an illegal strike on the rig. Representing Rowan Drilling Trinidad were attorneys Fyard Hosein,SC, and Michael Quamina while attorney Michael Bullock appears on behalf of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), which is representing the interests of the 22 workers. Hearing of the injunction came up before Justice Christine Kangaloo in the Port-of-Spain High Court yesterday and directives were given for Rowan Drilling Trinidad to file its statement of case by May 24, while the 22 riggers, all of whom were in court yesterday, most in their OWTU jerseys, are to file and serve their reply to the emergency application by May 5.

Attorneys for Rowan Drilling Trinidad will reply to the workers’ claims by May 19. The matter will again come up for hearing on June 9, and Justice Kangaloo ruled that the injunction will continue until the trial is heard and determined.

The workers earlier this week picketed outside bpTT’s head at Queen’s Park West, Port-of-Spain, calling for an investigation into the manner in which they were removed from the rig as well as a full report on their claims of increased accidents on the platform.